Nightshade Free Pesto-Walnut Cabbage and Carrot Slaw
Crunchy, vibrant, and packed with fresh flavor, this slaw is the kind of side dish that earns a permanent spot in your rotation. Two types of cabbage and grated carrots give it serious texture, while the homemade basil-walnut pesto dressing pulls everything together in a way that feels far more special than a typical vinaigrette. Nightshade-free eating can get tricky with slaws and salads since so many store-bought dressings sneak in paprika, chili, or tomato-based ingredients — here, every component is straightforward and easy to verify. The pesto comes together in a blender in about 30 seconds, and a short rest lets the cabbage soak up all that garlicky, lemony goodness before the toasted walnuts go on top for crunch. Scallion greens add a mild oniony bite without any of the nightshade concerns that come with bell peppers or other common slaw add-ins. A finishing scatter of fresh parsley keeps things bright and herbaceous right up until serving. It's the kind of dish that looks impressive on the table but asks very little of you in the kitchen.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the slaw
- 3 cups green cabbage, thinly shredded
- 1 cup red cabbage, thinly shredded
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and coarsely grated
- 3 scallions (green tops only), thinly sliced
- ½ cup raw walnuts
For the dressing
- ⅓ cup fresh basil leaves, packed
- ¼ cup raw walnuts
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp nutritional yeast (optional)
For serving
- 1 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Toast the 1/2 cup raw walnuts in a dry small skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly golden, about 4–5 minutes. Watch closely, as they can brown quickly. Transfer to a cutting board, let cool for 2 minutes, then roughly chop and set aside.
- 2
Make the pesto dressing: combine the basil, 1/4 cup raw walnuts, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, pepper, and nutritional yeast (if using) in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides once, about 30 seconds.
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